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Awakenings: Idaho: Rugged Beauty

by catnipoflife on July 3, 2014

This Day in History: July 3, 1890

Idaho, the Gem State or the Gem of the Mountains, the Spud State, Little Ida

Idaho, as part of the Oregon Country, was claimed by both the United States and Great Britain until the United States gained undisputed jurisdiction in 1846. Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state.

How Idaho Got Its Name: Idaho is an invented word! It is not from the Indian language. The name was made up by a politician and he was not an Indian! Mining lobbyist George M. Willing presented the name “Idaho” to congress for a new territory around Pike’s Peak, claiming it was a Shoshone Indian word meaning “Gem of the Mountains.” By the time the deception was discovered, the name “Idaho” was already in common use.

Have you ever heard of the gemstone Star Garnet? Did you know Idaho has a state raptor? What is Idaho’s state dance (Hint: It is the same as 22 other states!)? So much to discover, so much to explore in America!

When you hear someone mention Idaho, what are your first thoughts? If the light bulb that comes on for you is the potato, switch off that thought. Venture into the rugged beauty of Idaho beyond the famous potato!